Krystal Muhammad demands freedom for Karmelo Anthony after judge recusal

Krystal Muhammad, national chairwoman of the New Black Panther Party, demanded the release of Karmelo Anthony following a judicial recusal at the Collin County Courthouse. Anthony is currently serving a 35-year prison sentence for murder.

Visiting Judge Sid Harle removed District Judge John Roach Jr. from presiding over Anthony’s post-trial proceedings. The decision followed arguments from Anthony’s legal team that Roach’s previous comments to a reporter—stating the jury ‘got it right’—created an appearance of bias regarding the pending motion for a new trial.

While Muhammad and Anthony’s supporters characterized the recusal as a victory, the ruling is a procedural change that does not overturn the murder conviction or the existing sentence. Muhammad also accused Judge Roach of racist conduct, specifically citing issues with courthouse access and jury instructions regarding self-defense.